Deputies warning of real estate scam

Deputies are warning anyone trying to buy or sell a home about scammers who they say are posing as title companies trying to get your money.

The new tactic has already hit one local business.

The owner of a Fort Myers title company found out her company name was being used to target real estate sellers into sending money via wire transfer.

"You feel violated. Even though it's a company, this company is me. I feel completely and personally violated," 5 Star Title Company owner Laura Bramble said.

Bramble took a call this week from a seller in Canada who received paperwork appearing to be from Bramble's office. The papers show Bramble's company name and address and even carry a notary seal.

"There's no other employee here, it's just little old me, you know. Mom and pop shop. The more we went along in the contract, she told me it asked for a 'good faith' deposit in the amount of $968," Bramble said. "We don't do that. Sellers don't make deposits, buyers make deposits. Those monies are not touchable by us at all."

"Real estate is a definite target for people who are trying to sell their real estate or rental home or just foreclosed homes," Payne said.

Payne says it's a warning and a reminder to perform due diligence.

"A lesson for all of our business owners, a lesson for a lot of people who are selling and buying property right now. Don't just look at something and say, 'hey, I've got it, it's good to go,'" Payne said.

The sheriff's office is investigating the source of the scam. Bramble says she already knows of at least one other title company dealing with the same problem.